First Lady LaShanda Demecia Griffin was gifted to the late Maudelle Louise Jackson and the late Leroy Brooks on September 27, 1967, in Orlando, FL. LaShanda graduated from Oakridge High School in Orlando, FL, in 1984. She earned an Associate’s Degree from Troy University, Montgomery Campus. LaShanda enjoyed her occupation as Assistant Payroll Manager and was later reassigned as Benefits Manager at Hyundai Manufacturing of Alabama.

At an early age, LaShanda came to know the Lord at New Bethel A.M.E. Church, Orlando, FL. Under the guidance of her mother, LaShanda became a member of the Evangelistic Pentecostal Church #1 of Orlando, FL, under the leadership of the late Elder Edward Fields. She participated in numerous “Let’s Do It for Jesus” Crusades in Georgia and street services in Sanford, FL. She received the Holy Ghost at the tender age of 14. She was a member of the usher board, the local choir and became a member of the S. D. James Mass Choir. In the Mid ’80’s, she joined the The Temple of Faith Evangelistic Pentecostal Church in Orlando, FL, under the leadership of Pastor T. L. Smith. She was the lead singer of the group “Praise” and was a member of the ensemble “Quest” while serving at the Temple of Faith EPC. LaShanda was active in the local and international drama productions.

She lived in the “Sunshine State” until her marriage to Willis Beron Griffin on December 13, 1997. She then moved to Montgomery, AL, where she birthed and raised two beautiful daughters, Bethany Hope and Hannah Elizabeth Griffin.

After moving to Montgomery, LaShanda became an active member at Jerusalem Temple. She served on the user’s board, national greeters, and as a choir director for the Voices of Prophecy. On August 5, 2007, Sister LaShanda became the First Lady of Montgomery E.P.C., recently renamed Full Gospel Tabernacle E.P.C., in Montgomery, AL. There she served in several departments in her church, including the lead Praise and Worship Leader, Bible Study teacher, Sabbath School teacher, usher, Hospitality member, and Youth Advisor.

In addition, First Lady LaShanda was active in the following departments of the S.D. James Evangelistic Association, Inc. and its Evangelistic Pentecostal Churches (WW) Inc.: Praise and Worship leader and soloist, a lead singer in the S.D. James International Mass Choir, organizer of the Annual S.D. James Gospel Fest, International Youth Department staff member serving as the Music and Programming chairperson, active member of the Beta Upsilon Lambda Sisterhood, and assistant to the advisors of the Junior Mother’s Board.

First Lady LaShanda served dutifully until the Lord called her home on Saturday, September 24, 2016.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Maudelle Jackson and Leroy Brooks and her sister, Janelle Brooks.

First Lady LaShanda leaves to cherish her precious memory, her loving husband Willis Beron Griffin, two beautiful daughters, Bethany Hope and Hannah Elizabeth, all of Montgomery, AL; one sister, Precious Brooks of Jacksonville, FL; three aunts: Tranny, Marianne, and Loretta Jackson all of Orlando, FL one uncle, David Jackson of Orlando, FL; a loving mother-in-law, Martha Griffin of Troy, AL; the following in-laws, who she considered her siblings: Malvia (Timothy) Frye of Brundidge, AL, Vicki Griffin and Tracillia (William) July both of Montgomery, AL, Cornelius (Kimberly, close confidant) Griffin, Mark (Deionne) Griffin and Angel Griffin all of Troy, AL. She also leaves spiritual parents: Chief Apostle S.D. James, Mother Carrie James, Pastor T.L. Smith and Co-Pastor Cynthia Smith; her dear friends Kendal James, Antoinette Stephens, Cami Mackey, Jacqueline Bell and Andretta Johnson; several God-children, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Viewing will be Friday, September 30, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A “Celebration of Life” Memorial Service will be Friday, September 30, 2016, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m at New Life Church of God in Christ . Homegoing Celebration will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 1, 2016, at Jerusalem Temple. Interment will follow in Gethsemane Gardens on the Jerusalem Campground. Repast will be at the Griffin Ranch at 4618 County Road 3304, Troy, AL.